Nourishing meals for a busy season
When life feels crazy and chaotic, it’s easy to slip into habits that seem convenient but don’t actually help us cope. Skipping meals, relying on caffeine, eating on the run or grabbing whatever’s easy can all leave your nervous system feeling even more unsettled.
You might have heard the term “grounding” before as it’s become a bit of a buzzword in the wellness sector. When it comes to food, it simply means meals that help your body feel calm, steady and nourished. The kind of food that doesn’t spike your blood sugar or leave you feeling flat an hour later.
And while it’s not the only factor, your food choices can be one of the simplest ways to support your mood, energy and stress levels, especially as pressure builds and routines start to unravel during the end-of-year rush.
Why grounding, calming foods matter
When your nervous system is under pressure, your digestion is usually one of the first things to be affected. You might notice bloating, sugar cravings, irregular bowels or a low appetite. Eating grounding meals gives your body a signal that you’re safe, helping to stabilise blood sugar, calm the gut-brain axis and regulate mood.
What does a grounding meal look like in warmer weather?
Think wholefoods that are rich in minerals, fibre and healthy fats, but still feel light and hydrating.
Here are some of my go-to ingredients during busy seasons:
Leafy greens like spinach, rocket and kale (best lightly cooked if your digestion feels sluggish)
Seeds and nuts for steady energy
Oily fish like salmon or sardines for nervous system support
Avocado for healthy fats that help regulate hormones and mood
Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, coconut yoghurt) for gentle gut support
Brown rice, quinoa or sweet potato for fibre and slow-releasing carbs
Fresh herbs like parsley, basil and coriander for minerals and detox support
Some good warm weather options include poke bowls, rice paper rolls, chia puddings or seed crackers with dips.
Blood sugar balance = mood balance
Unstable blood sugar is one of the biggest contributors to feeling anxious, tired or frazzled. Meals and snacks that include protein, fat and fibre help keep your energy steady and your nervous system more resilient.
Rather than grazing all day or going too long without food, try to aim for three balanced meals and one or two supportive snacks (like boiled eggs, veggie sticks with hummus or a smoothie with protein).
Eat slowly when you can
This one isn’t always possible, but when it is, it can be powerful. Even just five minutes to sit down, breathe and chew properly can calm your vagus nerve (the communication line between your gut and brain) and improve digestion. This is particularly important if you’re prone to bloating or stress-related gut issues.
Focus on small, consistent changes
It’s easy to feel like everything needs fixing at once, but it really doesn’t. Small, consistent changes are what matter most. Focus on including one grounding meal per day - or even just a few calming ingredients to begin with.
If your eating habits have felt a bit off lately or you’d like support with nutrition for stress, energy or hormones, I encourage you to book a consultation or a free discovery call.